Water molecules stay close to each other as a result of the existence of which type of intermolecular force?

• A. ionic bonding
• B. hydrogen bonding
• C. metallic bonding
• D. London dispersion forces

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of intermolecular forces listed: ionic bonding, hydrogen bonding, metallic bonding, and London dispersion forces.
2. Recall that ionic bonding and metallic bonding are types of intramolecular forces, meaning they occur within molecules or solids, not between water molecules.
3. Understand that London dispersion forces are weak intermolecular forces present in all molecules but are especially significant in nonpolar molecules.
4. Recognize that water (H\_2O) is a polar molecule with hydrogen atoms bonded to a highly electronegative oxygen atom, allowing for strong dipole-dipole interactions called hydrogen bonding.
5. Conclude that the strong attraction between water molecules is due to hydrogen bonding, which occurs when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine.